Summary: Detecting drones legally means using RF tech like Remote ID. Learn how to track drones and pilots with AeroDefense’s trusted AirWarden system.
Not everyone is an engineer or drone technology expert, and that’s okay. If you’re tasked with protecting your facility, understanding the basics of detecting drones is critical.
This FAQ guide breaks down common questions related to drone detection technologies and legal considerations.
Radio Frequency (RF) Detection: Identifies and tracks drones by detecting the radio signals they emit during flight. Most drones communicate using RF signals to stay connected with their remote controllers. Some also transmit signals using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
A key component of modern drone detection is the ability to detect Remote ID signals. Remote ID is a regulation from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that requires most drones flying in U.S. airspace to broadcast identifying information. This includes the drone’s serial number, current location, altitude, speed, and — in many cases — the location of the pilot or takeoff point. These broadcasts occur over standard RF bands such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Radar Detection: Emits RF pulses and detects reflected signals from moving objects like drones. Requires line of sight and is more prone to false positives (e.g., birds).
Radio frequency-based drone detection is the only technology that can reliably locate the pilot—often the safest and most actionable form of mitigation.
Remote ID Detection
What it is: FAA-mandated system requiring drones to broadcast identifying data over radio frequency.
How Remote ID helps:
Remote ID broadcasts typically include the location of the drone and the location of the pilot or takeoff point.
Remote ID receivers can passively collect this data in real time, allowing teams to view both the drone’s position and the pilot’s location.
RF Signal Detection or RF Spectrum Sensing
What it is: Systems that scan for radio frequency signals between the drone and its controller, typically in the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands.
How it helps:
Some RF detection systems use trilateration, which relies on signal timing and/or strength, to estimate the pilot’s location—depending on sensor placement and system synchronization. Others use triangulation, analyzing the direction of the drone’s and controller’s signals. Either method is effective even for drones that do not broadcast Remote ID.
However, it's important to note that some systems attempt to decode or demodulate the drone’s control signal, which can violate U.S. federal law if done without proper authorization, as it may involve intercepting private communications.
Only RF Technologies Can Directly Provide Pilot Location
Other detection technologies like radar, optical, or acoustic systems can locate the drone, but not the pilot — unless paired with RF-based capabilities such as Remote ID detection or RF signal detection.
This depends upon your use case and risk profile. When evaluating a drone detection system, it’s important to match your solution to the level of risk you face.
Most drone incidents involve hobbyists flying FAA-compliant drones that broadcast Remote ID. Detecting drones with a system like our AirWarden Essentials® provides a cost-effective way to monitor typical drone activity and gauge your overall exposure.
If you begin seeing drones that aren't broadcasting Remote ID, this may indicate a more serious threat. In those cases, AirWarden Spectrum offers a more advanced solution designed to detect non-compliant or modified drones.
Federal laws like the Pen/Trap Statute and Wiretap Act prohibit interception or decoding of signal content without a warrant. Legal RF detection systems avoid demodulation and decoding.
Detecting drones with Remote ID is an easily accessible way to detect drones (as long as you have the infrastructure in place to receive the signals) and complies with the most up-to-date federal advisory on drone detection and mitigation as of the date this article was published.
The recent EO Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty aims to address the growing threat of unauthorized drone activity. The EO focuses on countering malicious and unauthorized drone use by strengthening enforcement, improving detection capabilities, and protecting high-risk areas. It also establishes a federal task force to review and propose solutions to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) threats.
The Pen/Trap Statute and Wiretap Act don't apply to our solutions because of the detection and location methods that we use.
According to Federal Law, no. Drones are considered aircraft under FAA rules. Taking one down is illegal and may result in liability for damages or injuries. However, states such as Louisiana are implementing their own rules which you should be aware of.
Even if you're not a high-profile target, drones can still disrupt your operations in unexpected ways. A single drone has delayed NFL games, shut down airports, and forced fire crews to ground aircraft. And in many cases, the operators weren't acting maliciously—they were just unaware or careless.
Not every drone is a problem, but without visibility into your airspace, you can’t tell the difference. Is it a permitted flight? A hobbyist making an honest mistake? A drone in my own fleet flown by a team member? Or someone collecting footage without permission?
Airspace awareness gives you the context you need to respond appropriately—avoiding confusion, unnecessary escalation, and potential legal or operational fallout.
It depends on your needs. For most common drones that broadcast Remote ID signals, RF detection alone is effective and reliable. It provides real-time identification of drones and their pilots without extra complexity.
While radar or visual systems can detect non-RF drones (radio-silent drones), these are rare and often less relevant for typical operations. If your primary goal is efficient, legal, and cost-effective drone awareness, a Remote ID–based RF solution is usually sufficient.
No - waiting could leave you blind to what’s already happening in your airspace.
You don’t need to wait for mitigation laws to change to take action. Detection systems that locate the drone pilot are fully legal and provide the most practical path to resolution today. In fact, identifying the pilot often enables the safest, most effective way to stop unwanted drone activity—without ever needing to interfere with the drone itself.
Awareness is actionable. Waiting isn’t.
If you’re new to the business of detecting drones, you’ll find our blogs and resources to be loaded with helpful information. As we noted above, feel free to reach out to talk with an expert!
You can also learn more by reading our Ultimate Guide to Drone Detection.